Fascia Research

As the market leader for the production of membrane keypads in the printed graphics industry we regularly conduct research across our customer base to understand their views on the market. Below are just some of the key findings from our 2007 research:

Digital Prototyping

• Whilst nearly half (40 per cent) of electrical engineers are presently using digital prototypes of membrane keypads and graphic overlays, the vast majority (90 per cent) are predicting that the digital prototyping industry will continue to grow over the next five years.
• Nearly half (40 per cent) of engineers cited the most important benefit to using digital prototypes as increasing the likelihood of more sales at shows/exhibitions. Nearly two thirds (60 per cent) of engineers stated that a professional prototype enhances their business chance of a sale at a show/exhibition/during a sales presentation by over 80 per cent.
• Nearly half (40 per cent) cited fast turnaround of product as a key benefit of digital prototyping and nearly a quarter (20 per cent) stated that allowing modifications to the product before paying out for a full set of artwork and tools was a key benefit.
• Nearly a quarter (20 per cent) stated that digital prototyping saved their business £3,000-£5,000 per annum.

Medical Membranes & Overlays

• Almost all (88 per cent) of medical equipment manufacturers see protection from Superbugs as a major issue for customers, with MRSA continuing to be their biggest threat.
• Whilst the majority of medical equipment manufacturers (88 per cent) feel that awareness is low to Superbug proof graphic overlays and membrane keypads; all of them see it as the biggest development in the sector in the last 10 years.
• Nearly two thirds (63 per cent) of those surveyed expect this product to be used across the entire industry as awareness is raised.